Deadliest medieval weapon

[slayer92]

What was the deadliest medieval weapon in terms of casualties inflicted?

[Aeratus]

Probably horses and bacterial infections.

For man-made weapons, probably the spear, which was the most common weapon back then until the later period.

[_Elysium_]

Religion.

[Grymloq]

Disease and religious fervour

[AJStoner]

I'll say, not really in terms of casualties but importance, the crossbow. It was, when the dust finally settled, the herald of maneuver warfare, changing the time it took to effectively train archers from a decade or more down to an afternoon. It is the first weapon I have heard referenced as being "so terrible it will surely end warfare one and for all." Probably wasn't the first that somebody said that about--certainly wasn't the last--but its "contribution" to warfare echos to this day.

[=Bright=]

Gunpowder.

[Sweger]

Gunpowder.

Yes, since the cannons exploded right in your own face

[=Bright=]

Yes, since the cannons exploded right in your own face

I bet thousands died because of this.

[AJStoner]

I bet thousands died because of this.

Having been an artillery man, you would be surprised how many people STILL die because of this.

[The Holy Pilgrim]

Brains.

Oh wait, that was blasphemy back then.

[Silverheart]

Swords obviously, since we´re talking about casualties inflicted.
It was the most common weapon (second only to spear and hunter bows), and the most widespread during the medieval period.
But the deadliest, as in the one most dangerous to face, was probably a poleaxe - it crunches through armour, and sweeps any shield or defense clear out of its´ way. However, it was clumsy and could easily be outmaneuvered, halting its´ popularity and spread.

[Scotius]

50/50 between the bow and the lance. With both of these Khan created the largest land Empire that has ever existed =)

Edit to add: (don't know how I forgot about this one)

"Perhaps Genghis Khan's greatest psychological weapon was a series of three tents he had erected outside each city at the start of a siege. The first tent, a white tent, signifies that the city and it's occupants will be spared if the city is surrendered by sunset. If not, the following dawn a blood red tent is erected on the frame, signifying that every man in the city will be put to the sword if the city is not surrendered. In the event the city inhabitants decide to ignore the red tent, it, too, is taken down and the third and final tent, black in colour, is erected. The black tent signifies that there will be no mercy. If, or perhaps more accurately when, the city falls, the entire population will be put to the sword."

I reckon once word spread on the traffic lights tent system, you would be taking cities in 3 day sieges with no casualties =)

[Delvecchio1975]

I reckon once word spread on the traffic lights tent system, you would be taking cities in 3 day sieges with no casualties =)

I assume if the city wasn't surrendered on the first day (white tent), it would have to be taken by force, if the occupants were aware of the colour code system. I can hardly imagine on the first day you agree to not surrender the city (we all die or we all survive if we can keep them out), and then on the second day you change your mind (oh well, it's just the men that will get it, not a bad deal, right?) ...

[ilmrik]

I assume if the city wasn't surrendered on the first day (white tent), it would have to be taken by force, if the occupants were aware of the colour code system. I can hardly imagine on the first day you agree to not surrender the city (we all die or we all survive if we can keep them out), and then on the second day you change your mind (oh well, it's just the men that will get it, not a bad deal, right?) ...

It could happen All the women in the medieval kitchens would take a vote around 6pm, and inform the men about their decision over dinner, all the (male) soldiers would then walk out the front gate just after dessert! now thats emancipated democracy avant la lettre for you

Yeah some historic tid bits seem to defy any form of ration don't they, I'd think it was more a 1st day siege ender. if not it would become very messy indeed as certain death is a pretty good incentive to fight untill the last man...

and well the deadliest weapon was the killer rabbit not the hand granade of Antioch

[PrestigeX]

I'd like to say "Horse Warriors" - and in particular, those of a nobler class skilled in using Bow, Lance, Sword or Mace from horseback.

Not really the Western Knight, as ranged weapons were for the lower classes in the west - but the Eastern / Orential Cavalry who used all arms.

The Composite Bow, if only choosing the weapon.

European counterpart, the crossbow.

[Jingo Eugene]

Stupid leaders.

[Gazz]

Stupid leaders.

This.


+rep

[Double A]

Based on my many hours of playing Mount and Blade Warband, I can safely say the morningstar. In game, it kills most people in 1-2 hits. Including armored foes. It is a spikey ball of DOOOOOOOOOM!

And since M&B is actually pretty damn realistic, that 38 piercing damage is probably would have the same effect on a real boy.

Stupid leaders.

The tilde key.

[Teutonic Warlord]

The all-powerful white arrow in the sky that leads men to great victories and defeats and sends agents to change the world. It is also worshipped by the Aztecs.

[danny X]

the black plague if utilised with spies!! You could kill millions!! or cannon towers, i love watching the men flying all over the place!!